The Rashtriya Raksha University in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, India, hosted a two-day conference on "Asian African Law and Treaty Practice" on February 28 to 29, 2024. This conference was organised by RRU Centre for International Law (RCIL).

The conference witnessed the esteemed presence of Smt Meenakshi Lekhi, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs & Culture, India; Prof Bimal N Patel, Vice Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University & International Law Commission Member from India; His Excellency Dr Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, the Secretary-General of the Asian African Legal Consultative Organisation (AALCO); and Mr Nathaniel Khng, Legal Advisor at Permanent Mission of Singapore to the United Nations, during the session. Additionally, representatives from 12 Asian-African nationalities participated in discussions focusing on the technical aspects of treaty drafting, interpretation, and implementation.

Addressing the gathering, Smt Meenakashi Lekhi emphasized the timeliness of the event, providing a crucial platform for stakeholders to delve into the practical dimensions and implications of foreign policy decisions. She highlighted the interconnectedness between treaty law and foreign policy, stressing the importance of understanding how states engage in treaty practices and fulfil their obligations.

Professor Patel, the Vice Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University & India’s representative at the International Law Commission (ILC), underscored the significance of treaties as the principal source of Public International Law. Treaties, being agreements concluded between states and governed by international law, play a pivotal role in shaping diplomatic relations. He expressed gratitude for the close ties with AALCO’s Secretary-General, Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol (Thailand), along with Deputy Secretary-Generals, namely Mr. Jun Yamada (Japan), Mr. Zhu Yong (China), and Dr. Ali Hasankhani (Iran), seconded by their respective governments, participated in the event to show support for this conference.

Furthermore, he stated that this conference aims to bridge the gap highlighted in the UN Secretary-General's report, which noted a substantial geographic disparity in treaty registration. There is a disproportionate share originating from the Western European and Others Group compared to the Asia-Pacific and African Group, making the event even more important. In his concluding remarks, he emphasized and underscored the critical significance of dissemination of international law and development of state practices in Asian African Countries.

The conference ended after a series of presentation provided for in-depth discussions on the challenges and opportunities associated with Asian African Law and Treaty Practice. It was aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in treaty-making and promote a more inclusive approach to international legal frameworks and the need for better regional cooperation in Asian & African countries.

AP/GP/JD

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